Selectmen can't help with livestock

By Joann coskie

tjc@tjcoskie.com

fosters.com

By Joann coskie

tjc@tjcoskie.com

Posted Nov. 17, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Joann coskie

tjc@tjcoskie.com

Posted Nov. 17, 2013 at 3:15 AM

At the Board of Selectman meeting on Nov. 4 the agenda was confined to just a few items. The Selectmen reported that they are formulating an Investment Policy as they are required to do. Conflicting schedules were consulted and it was determined that the next Selectmen’s meeting on Nov. 18 will actually be a budget workshop, held simultaneously with the Budget Committee meeting that same evening. In other business, Roger Mains, representing the Planning Board, asked and received the Selectmen’s approval to consult with the town attorney on matters of projects proposed for development.

New England Roofing’s bid was accepted for making structural corrections and putting a new roof on the Highway Barn. With winter approaching, sooner will definitely be better than later.

Several residents questioned the Selectmen about various town ordinances and regulations related to keeping livestock with resultant noise and nuisance situations resulting from animal husbandry. While sympathetic to their difficulties, the Selectmen determined that there appear to be no applicable restrictions. An appeal to the animal owner to consider being respectful of other owner’s rights of property enjoyment seems to be the only available avenue for intervention by the town.

This month we celebrated Veteran’s Day — intolerance and any behavior that it generates is an insult to those who fought for our freedom. Last week’s column suggested that we should all get along, tolerating, if not agreeing with everyone. Seems respect of property should also have been stressed, as there has reportedly been some vandalism unworthy of civilized society. Guess not all our neighbors are civilized?

SCHOOL NEWS

The deadline for finalizing the Withdrawal Feasibility report is Nov. 22. At the Nov. 5 Feasibility meeting, a draft report was presented and thoroughly reviewed. The Farmington School Board distributed a draft ‘letter of concern’ that evening. Hopefully it will be made publicly available in final form soon. The FSB 10/15 Agenda is posted including the topic of the AREA withdrawal draft reports, but not the minutes. A final draft of the Feasibility Withdrawal report is the agenda for the meeting on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. in Middleton. Residents have this opportunity to participate in and get informed about this crucial document and the issues of educating Middleton’s students.

In response to recent news articles, the Middleton School Board issued this response:

“A fundamental source of the Middleton Boards unhappiness is how the Farmington School District seems to be improperly interpreting the 1973 AREA Agreement tuition calculation. US Census data (American Community Surveys) indicates on average Middleton income levels are lower than Farmington’s. Yet as noted in our press release Middleton pays double the local school property tax per child to educate our children that attend the Farmington schools. We encourage visiting www.middletonnh.gov/pages/MiddletonNH_School/Press%20Release to view the Boards recent press release.

“The Middleton Board looks forward to the Farmington Board restarting the AREA Review Board they requested to consider the effectiveness of the current AREA school plan as a method for providing improved educational services.”

It is a testimony to both the Middleton and Farmington School Boards and committees that they continue to concentrate on the quality of education and impact to students regarding the AREA Agreement and Withdrawal Feasibility Study even while being diametrically opposed on some serious issues.

Residents may also be interested in learning that the Farmington School Board minutes of 10/7 reported a malfunctioning electrical panel at Valley View, rendering the sprinkler system inoperative. Two fire department personnel at school expense are to remain in the school until parts can be obtained to enable repairs.

Social news

The Norton family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the immense support they have received, especially for the almost overwhelming turnout at the service and Celebration of Life for Scott. The Library was also closed out of respect for Scott and his family.

Nov. 23 will be the Fire Department’s fundraiser, the Turkey Raffle. Lots of prizes and surprises — you won’t want to miss that evening. Get to the OTH by 5 p.m. if you want a good seat.